Wu Chao-feng (
Hsu Sung-kuei (徐松奎), chief prosecutor of the Nantou District Prosecutors' Office, said they had substantial evidence concerning Wu's alleged misdeeds.
Wu was allegedly involved in a scandal over six local construction projects for roads and bridges, and allegedly misappropriated NT$16 million intended for the reconstruction of public facilities damaged in the quake.
After serving him with a summons, prosecutors and investigators conducted a search of Wu's estate on Tuesday.
A large number of relief supplies donated by the public for earthquake victims were discovered there, including television sets, heaters, gas ovens, refrigerators, quilts and air beds.
Hsu said the prosecution had obtained evidence pointing to forged construction documents and also seized crucial evidence such as receipts and blueprints in the misappropriation case.
Wu could be jailed for up to 10 years if convicted.
Wu's appearance at the Nantou District Prosecutors' Office yesterday morning was his first since being subpoenaed by prosecutors on Tuesday.
He had planned to call a press conference to make a public explanation of the allegations. As Wu had ignored the subpoena, the prosecution, which got wind of the plan, sent police to the scene of the press conference with the intention of detaining him. But Wu eventually opted to answer the summons and did not show up at the press conference.
Explaining the presence of quake supplies on his estate, Wu said they were only temporarily kept there. He said he had not misappropriated reconstruction funds for personal use, and that records and accounts were available to prove his innocence.
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